Heart Palpitations

After doing my exercise routine this last Monday morning, I started having heart palpitations (irregular heart beats). I didn't think to much of it until it continued lasting throughout the entire day. I took myself to Urgent Care and the doctor there could hear them and told me it's Premature Atrial Beats. Basically, the sensor node that produces the message to contract is sending rapid signals which aren't being caught. This is causing me to feel like my heart is skipping a beat. I really feel fine other than it is very noticeable and annoying. By the end of the day I feel exhausted. The Urgent Care doctor told me to follow up with my Primary Care doctor to be further evaluated. Since I was continuing to feel them on Tuesday, I made an appointment for this morning, which is the 3rd consecutive day. This doctor confirmed again what I am feeling and started the steps to figuring out what's wrong. I had blood work done to test my Thyroid, Electrolytes, and Platelets and he scheduled an appointment for me at the Hospital this afternoon to get a Holter (heart monitor). I feel like a walking Hospital patient. I have 7 sensors stuck around my chest, which are connected to the Holter, which is strapped around my waist. This is monitoring my heart for 24 hours. When I feel something I push a button that will highlight that beat. Let me tell you, I am not pushing it every time it happens, there is so many, but at least the Holter is picking it up. I also keep a detailed diary of my activities throughout this period, including going to the bathroom. So fun! After answering all the doctors questions, I feel pretty good about being in good health. We'll see what problems, if any, these tests show. I just hope there is an end to these crazy heartbeats!

Fall Colors

The temperature has dropped quite a bit around here. We are getting a small taste of the bitter cold that is not too far off. The kids had the day off school, and there were no complaints when we headed up to American Fork Canyon for a picnic and to see the changing leaves. It was cold and stormy in the mountains...we could see the snow blowing around! We got our fire going first! A lot of trees haven't started changing, but there were enough to make it absolutely gorgeous. The red trees were striking and our favorite. We love hiking, exploring, and enjoying how beautiful and peaceful the forest is. We are so blessed to have this beauty all around us!

So BEAUTIFUL!

Primary Program

Our Ward Primary Program was today. The theme was "My Eternal Family". It was wonderful! This is the first year in a while that I haven't sat on the stand with a class or been in charge and stressed. It was so nice to just watch and enjoy! All three girls participated, with this being Kenzie's first year. They each did SUPER on their speaking parts! Of course, being a Mom, I was so proud and had my big smile and eyes glued on the cutest kids up there!:) I got quite a few thumbs up signs from Kenzie. I have always loved serving in Primary. Listening to the children this morning reminded me why...I love Primary songs! The spirit that is felt through the beautiful songs is powerful. My testimony has been strengthened from this amazing presentation. I am so grateful for the simple truths that are taught in Primary.

Just Tubing Around

Our good friends, the Sharp family, invited us to spend an evening full of fun at one of their families favorite get away spots. We, along with the O'Dell family as part of our caravan, headed down South towards Yuba Lake yesterday after school. We were all looking forward to it! Aaron's family owns property on which they have built really nice cabins, bathrooms, a lodge and pavilion, but the best part was...a river runs through it. It's a great spot! Shortly after checking out the place, we got tubes and kayaks and headed to the river before the sun went down. The river was pretty low, so it was a muddy mess getting in. Kenzie totally freaked out, but that didn't stop us. We eventually all got situated and absolutely enjoyed floating slowly down the river. Who knew tubing could be so fun!?! We finished the night with a yummy BBQ and gathered around the camp fire to make Smores. We loved the company of friends and can't wait for the next invite!:)

We Got Spirit

We got spirit, yes we do...we got spirit, how 'bout you? We have been feeling the excitement that our new high school has brought to the community! The past couple of weeks we've been to football games, volleyball games, and I've even been to a tennis match. It has been so fun to support some of the girls in my Mia Maid group. I decided that to really show our spirit I needed to invest in school shirts for the whole family. I figured we would be able to wear them for years to come, so it was worth it. Another way we show our spirit is to stomp our feet with others in the stands and really feel the "Thunder". We love hooting and hollering for our team. It excites me to think that in the near future I could be watching and cheering for my own children!

Go Westlake Thunder!

Family Prayer Participant

It used to be that when we said our family prayers Matt or I would say them. As time has passed and the kids have gotten older, we each take a turn, including Kenzie. She has always needed help from someone. When she prays she says a few words out of the sentence that has been recited to her...it's so cute. Well, last night, it was Kenzie's turn and for the first time she wanted to say the prayer "all myself", as she says it. When she ended the sweet prayer, I looked around and we all had the biggest smiles ever, especially her! It was priceless! Rarely does Kenzie stay on her knees with her arms folded, head bowed, and eyes closed through the entire prayer, so I was surprised that she stated some of the same things that the rest of us do in our prayers. She obviously pays attention!:) It is so fun to watch this brave little girl as she becomes comfortable with doing things on her own. I am so thankful for her example and her sweet spirit. As the youngest, she is such an important part of our family!

Silly Little Girl

Karley is so funny! I knew that her and Kenzie were out front riding their bikes. They love doing that and Karley is such a good helper in keeping an eye on her sister. I went to check on them and about died laughing when I saw Karley. She looked hilarious with her cousin's hat on backwards and 3-D glasses on! I love that she is happy with just being herself. She can keep herself entertained no matter where she is...even on a bike. Karley has a gift for making people laugh and thrives at the challenge to make it happen. For instance, just this morning as I was doing her hair for school, she said the hand that wears her CTR ring is Mormon and the other hand isn't. She always has something funny to say...she's a riot!

I love you SILLY Karley! Thank you for putting a smile on my face everyday!

Goats, Horses, And Dinos Oh My

It was the last day to use free coupons to Farm Country and the Dinosaur Museum, and when I asked who wanted to join me, it was just the girls who were interested. I will take just girl time anyday! These are places we have been a lot, but it is always fun going again. I enjoyed letting the girls take as much time as they wanted and not rushing them through. It was fun!

Feeding the goats corn kernels...watch your fingers!

Gotta love pony rides!
Silly girls!

We love the fun "hands-on" activities at the Dinosaur Museum.

There is so much to do and see.

The Rules of Pre-School

Kenzie has patiently been waiting for her turn to start school. She doesn't have to wait any longer, because today, my BABY, started Pre-school. This little girl has been looking forward to seeing her teacher and friends from last school year. I am hoping this year to be full of learning and growing as she prepares for Kindergarten next year. I plan on helping in her class once a week which still leaves 2 days (2 hours each day) that I will have "all to myself". I'm sure I will fill that time with lots of stuff, but I'm hoping it will mostly be used for chilling out!:) In all honesty, I'm going to miss my little buddy a ton, and while she is having fun at school, I will probably be bored!

She is growing taller and prettier by the day!
I was talking with Kenzie this afternoon about her first day and she started telling me about the rules she is to follow while at school. Some of these obvious rules are: No Hitting, No Pushing, No Fighting, and Say Excuse Me. Then she told me a rule that I'm not sure I've ever heard before. She said, "And don't bart (this is how she says "FART") on no one!" I laughed my head off! I'm pretty sure she made that one up...what a little stinker!:)

Back To School

The first day of school is always exciting! The older girls have been so anxious to get back into the school routine again...oh wait, that's me!:) I am always glad when school gets out, but by the end of the summer, boy, am I ready for it to start again. They were so happy to go this morning. I went to the school to make sure they knew where they were going. As I was leaving, sweet Karley came running up to me in tears saying she is going to MISS me. Broke my heart in two! I will definitely miss their help and company at home...it's going to be quiet. They are ready to learn! I know they will work hard and be good students. We look forward to a great school year! Karley is in 3rd grade and has Ms. Durfee. She has such a good attitude. She is already planning on being the "class clown". She is definitely one funny girl!

Kynlee is in 5th grade and got the teacher she wanted, Mr. Dias. Matthew had him a couple of years ago and loved him. She is so excited that I am going to be the Room Mom...yay me!

I love these girls! They are as sweet as they look!

Gotta love the bus when it stops right out front!

Junior High...Oh My

I think I am still in shock that Matthew is old enough to be in Junior High...aahh! That means that I am getting old!:) Last week, in preparation, we went and showed him where his classes are and made sure he could open his locker. It was so cool! Matthew was both excited and nervous this morning, but boy did he look good! The way they do it here is that today just the 7th graders go and then tomorrow just the 8th and 9th graders go. On Friday they all go. I guess it gives the "Sevies" a chance to get used to things before throwing everyone in. I totally teared up as he was walking to the bus stop! It doesn't seem that long ago when I was sending Matthew off to Kindergarten. He's growing up way too fast! It's hard for me to let him go, knowing that I can't watch over him at school anymore. All I can hope for is that what he has been taught will help him in this new adventure of life and that he will stand up for what he believes in. I love you Matthew! I'm glad you had a good first day of Junior High! In case you were wondering, the graffiti on the locker is NOT real!:)

Last Day Of Summer

We got discounted passes, through Matt's work of course, for LAGOON Adventure! We were able to cram it in just before school started. Before we headed over there, we stopped by the Middle School where Grandma Slider works, and decorated her car for her Birthday. She loved the surprise! The kids really look forward to their one day at Lagoon. Each of them behave so well, that it makes it an enjoyable experience. We all have so much fun! Kenzie patiently chills out at the rides she can't go on yet, and the older kids willingly ride with her on the ones she loves. I have some brave and daring kids. They go with Matt and I on all the best rides. We were there 11 hours and left exhausted! We had a blast!

Happy Birthday Grandma Slider! We love you!
WE

LOVE

GOING

TO

LAGOON!

These are a few of our favorite rides!

Merit Badge Awards

Matthew participated in a Court of Honor and was presented 4 merit badges that he earned while at Scout Camp this summer. He earned: Citizenship in the Nation, Wilderness Survival, Pioneering, and Astronomy. Matt taught the boys the Pioneering Badge, which included building a monkey bridge. The boys thought it was awesome! Matthew needs to earn 3 more badges and he'll receive his Star Rank. He is pumped and has the goal of earning his Eagle by the time he's 14. Way to go Matthew!

Past And Present Adventure

As if my summer hasn't already been full of adventure, I found some time to use free admission coupons Matt got through work and take the kids on an outing. First, we visited The Utah Museum of Fine Arts for an artistic adventure. It was full of crazy and cool paintings and impressive collections. The kids had their first encounter of painted women's breasts. We quickly walked through that area as Matthew rolled his eyes in embarrassment...oops!:) We had a little picnic and play time at Liberty Park and then headed to one of our favorite places, the Tracy Aviary. We love seeing all of the cool and amazing birds they have. We went to the Bird Show and got up close and personal with some of our aviator friends. The highlight of the trip was feeding the colorful Sun Conures. I love having little adventures with the kids!

This is a video clip of us feeding the Sun Conures. It was so fun!

There's No Place Like Home

We love visiting Arizona! It's a trip we look forward to each time we make it! It will always be home for me, since all of my family is there. It was quite the reunion this time when Matthew and I got to my Mom's. The girls had already been there for a week, so of course we were anxious to see them, but also my sisters, Kristy and Natalie, and Karissa with her cute bunch ran out to welcome us. It really meant a lot! We were there 3 weeks and spent most of our time with my family. We swam all the time...I love the heat and sun, plus we all got nice tans!:) We headed out to church in Queen Creek a couple of times and loved seeing our good friends from the old Ward. We are so thankful for everyone putting up with "company" for so long and going out of their way to keep us entertained. We made lots of good memories. It is so nice to know that even though we live far away, the love of family never dies. In fact, I think it gets stronger with every trip, because the goodbyes are getting harder to say. We love and miss you all so much!

We loved seeing the Hopkins cousins just about everyday! These guys have so much fun together! Here they are, hot and sweaty, at Bounce U!
Kenzie crawling through a tunnel.

Karley knows how to have fun!

Brigg is putting on his gear!

Kenzie and Tate are 5 weeks apart. They are cute little buddies!

I love my cute sisters, Karissa and Natalie! Sorry, Kristy, I never got a picture with you...I still love you too!:)

We had so much fun with Deacon and Baron too! They are so cute! We got to stay at their house a couple of nights. We had a blast at Peter Piper Pizza and loved swimming in their pool. Thanks Nathan and Tally!

Kynlee loves her new cousin, Harlow!

Swimming in Grandpa's pool...so fun!

Thank you so much Grandmama for everything you did for us. I know we stayed a LONG time, but we enjoyed every minute. We had so much fun swimming, going to the movies, making crafts, playing with Sophie (the puppy), and hanging out with Aunt Natalie! I'm glad you and I got to go to the temple and lunch. I really enjoyed that alone time with you. Thanks for the love and care you show my kids. You are wonderful and we love you so much!

We had fun with Grandpa and Grandma Debbie! We enjoyed pool parties, bowling, watching "G-Force", and visiting. We even got to see Great Grandma Nikolaus, which is always a treat! I went to a couple of "Spinning" classes with my Dad...they kicked my butt! Thank you so much for all you did for us. We love you guys!